Northern Virginia to Old Orchard Beach Maine

[Buffalo2VA]

Wondering if anyone can suggest a route traveling from Fredericksburg Va to Old Orchard Beach ME, we want to avoid NYC area if possible or at least find out best roads to take for towing a 38 trailer. Thanks

[Semperfi24]

Living in the DC area, and growing up in Massachusetts, I would suggest taking 95 to Del, New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway over the Tappan Zee Bridge, 287 to 684 to 84 through Connecticut. 84 will take you all the way to Boston if you follow it long enough. That will avoid NYC/George Washington Bridge, etc

[Semperfi24]

Assuming the pic showed up, the route I mentioned is something like this. I don't always remember off the top of my head, but I know it when I'm driving it. I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong, it's a popular route to get there. Take 695 in Baltimore because of the propane and you're good

[TomStacey616]

I concur with Semperfi, as we travel from Richmond to South Eastern Connecticut and that's the way we travel.
Do yourself a favor, and just email the NJTpke authority (if you want to, I did) to verify your trailer height is ok on the Garden State Pkwy. I email them, and they were super friendly and recommended staying in the center two lanes as the outside lanes have 1-2 low spots under bridges.
Plus, if you do get pulled over ( a friend of mine did and had the email for proof) you'll have proof saying that you received written approval.

Just my .02 added....
Enjoy the trip, take your time. OH YEAH, don't forget your EZPASS for tolls!!

[Buffalo2VA]

Thanks for the suggestions

[Strigflag]

Agree with the route except I would go 295 after the del mem bridge to exit 57(?) then pick up NJT to 287. Follow 287 to 84 in Newburgh then on to Boston. Get fuel at Flying J exit 1 off 295 and pilot in Mawah, NJ (route 17). Then exit 1 (pilot) Sturbridge ma. This will save you a substantial amount of $$$ in tolls and fuel costs.

[smo]

On my way from FL to ME each year I pass thru Fredricksburg on I-95 then just North I exit I-95 at Exit 133 (Rt 17 to Warrenton) from Warrenton on 17 toward Marshall/ Winchester coming out on I-66 and head West toward I-81 & Winchester, VA. Continue on I-81 past Winchester and stay on it all the way North to Harrisburg, PA. At Harrisburg I stay on I-81 North to Scranton, PA, where I connect with I-84 East toward Hartford, CT. Pass thru Hartford and stay on I-84 to Sturbridge, MA where I get on the MA,Pike and head toward New England/Marlborough Exit. Getting off at that Exit your on I-495 heading toward Portsmouth, NH. You will leave I-495 at Amesbury, MA and come onto I-95 North to Portsmouth, NH and follow to I-95 Portland, ME.
Crossing into Maine from Portsmouth, NH on I-95 at Kittery you will head North on I-95 for a few miles before coming to the Maine Turnpike. The last Exit before the T-Pike is US Route #1 North. I recommend staying on the T-Pike till the Saco/ Old Orchard Beach Exit.
I pull a 32' 5er and have had no problems going this way with anything for the last 5 years.

[wogden]

I agree with SMO as this is the way we travel to get home to southern Vt with some changes. Often run 78 thru Allentown and onto 287 in western Nj then up to 84 to go east into MA and on into NH to 95. Try to avoid US1 travel north or south when visiting ME. Some construction in the south and just too much traffic.

[spock123]

I'm going to Niagara Falls in September and then heading north to Bar Harbor ME. I'm thinking of going into Canada and run north. Would that be a good way. I don't plan on paying tolls


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[Buffalo2VA]

Smo thanks for the direction actually live off 17 !

[Semperfi24]

SMO has provided the ideal route for you. My route was more from the DC area (easier than going that far west). My parents use that route when they travel north from NC. Thanks SMO, and safe travels

[Adirondack Jack]

I also agree with SMO - 17 to 81 avoids all of the hassle - but am wondering if anyone has run 84 lately? The last time we used it there was a ton of construction and narrow chutes (one lanes). I was thinking of trying 78 to 287 instead?

[n-e-d]

Came up 84 from NY border a week ago lot of slow downs, speed traps, and it took an hour to get thru Waterbury. After Waterbury Hartford was a snap

[Wyn]

Avoid the Tappan Zee Bridge, the toll towing a trailer is literally highway robbery. Instead use the Newburgh Beacon Bridge on I-84, the toll is much less. An added bonus is less traffic on I-84.

[MainelyUS]

x2 to smo's suggestion.
Traveling rdtrip btw ME & Charleston, SC and recently MA to Charleston, SC things I want to avoid hauling the TT are I95 CT/NY/NJ/PA/DE/MD/DC, tolls, and cities.
We use the same trip tic as som north of Fredricksburg works great.

Happy Trails